Rocky Fans Set Guinness Record as 45,000 Gear Up for Rocky Run
A crowd of 570 people dressed as Rocky Balboa gathered at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps and set a Guinness World Record, 50 years after the film's release. Tourism officials say 45,000 runners from 75 countries will join a citywide Rocky Run.
A crowd of 570 people dressed as Rocky Balboa gathered at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps and set a Guinness World Record, 50 years after the boxing film's release. Organizers say the event is the start of a rocky run of celebrations, with a citywide race still to come.
The uniform was simple: a black beanie, grey sweatpants and sweatshirt, and black high-top Converse sneakers.
The crowd grew through the afternoon, cheering as stragglers arrived to help the attempt. An announcer questioned participants as they checked in. "What's your name?" he asked one. "Rocky Balboa," came the reply.
Guinness required at least 250 people for the record. The announcer said the official count was certified at 570.
Once the record was confirmed, the group ran up the museum steps and posed for a photo. Those are the same stairs Rocky storms up in the film.
45,000 runners expected
Tourism officials said 45,000 runners from all 50 states and 75 countries will take part in a "Rocky Run" through the city.
The city has organized several events this month to honor the fictional underdog boxer. They include a sprint up the museum stairs and a rededication marking the permanent installation of the Rocky statue. A meat market challenge lets fans recreate the scene in which he trained by punching slabs of frozen meat.
Why the film endures
The 1976 film, written by Sylvester Stallone, follows a small-time boxer from South Philly. He gets a shot at heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in a fight staged in the city to celebrate America's bicentennial. Rocky loses, but proves himself and wins the heart of Adrian, a neighborhood pet store clerk.
The movie was shot for less than $1 million. Stallone was then an unknown actor who had written the script in a desperate bid to find work.
The film won the best picture Oscar and became the highest-grossing sports movie at the time. According to Guinness World Records, its sequels and spinoffs have made it the most successful sports movie franchise.
Philadelphia held its first Rocky Day in 2023, with Stallone attending. The celebrations grew into a weeklong Rocky Fest the following year. This year's festivities began with the release of Stallone's memoir, "The Steps," on Sep. 29.
